Friday, May 31, 2013

fashion funnies: a shoe sale...

enjoy the weekend!


Thursday, May 30, 2013

how to freshen up that suit...

while it is not as common as it used to be...believe it or not...there are still women that do wear suits to work...as in several of my clients...so if you are in the elite group...i realize that wearing that same old suit...can get old...but with the hefty price tags...it's not likely that these are items that you continue to buy over and over...

so what needs to happen...is to work with what you've got...while the suit on its own can be...shall we say...yawn...boring...there are some easy ways to freshen up the look...and "revive" those suits you are wearing...

if you've been wearing a basic button down shirt with your suits...how about opting for a nice bright blouse?  if you like ruffles...this is a great accent to an otherwise boring blouse...the combination of the ruffles & color cascading down the suit jacket will instantly pump up the volume...want to be a bit more daring?  go for a fun print...when looking for new blouses to add...think color...texture...detail...the smallest of which could make a huge impact...

add in some fun accessories...if you have been wearing your standard pearls or chain necklace...try adding one with a bolt of color...or adding several necklaces together to create new interest...add a fun brooch to the jacket...no one will notice your basic suit anymore...

belts are another way to update or freshen up an old suit...go for a belt that matches for a conservative approach or add some fun with one in a contrasting color...not only does this bring a great new detail to your suit...but it will instantly cinch in that waist for a flattering silhouette...

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

mixing high and low...

one of the fashion tidbits that i post on my facebook and twitter pages is:  'don't be afraid to match high end & low end clothing & accessories...the trick is picking low end that looks high end...' i would say that the best description i can give of this was at the oscars...remember when sharon stone paired a valentino skirt with a black gap t-shirt?  the next day...it was the talk of the town...and she made it look effortless...actually come to think of it...she did it again...when she paired a beautiful lilac vera wang skirt with a gap button down shirt...tre chic...no?

which it can be...the cost of an item is really not that important...what is important is that the garment looks great on you...fit fit fit...don't i always get back to fit?  so what i usually tell my clients...spend the money on the classic pieces...the ones you know you will have in your closet for years to come...you want to get what you can most afford...and then the fill ins...this is where you get creative...

pair a fabulous jacket with a t-shirt from your favorite low-end store...mix your grandmothers pearls with a few less expensive necklaces...are you getting the idea?  after all...a label is a label...besides...who really sees the label?  if a garment looks good on you...it is a keeper...

when shopping at low-end stores...do take a look at the stitching and such...while the garments won't be as intricate as a higher designer garment may be (although i've seen some that could be questioned...) if the garment looks "cheap" pass on it...you can find less expensive items that still look like you paid a little something for them...

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

how to mix patterns...

one of the easiest & funnest ways to make your style unique...is by mixing patterns...i have seen some great combinations on the light side...as well as full on bold mixing of patterns...you pick what suits you best...if you've stocked up on some classic shapes in your wardrobe...and want to kick it up a notch or two...mixing of patterns may be just right for you...

when it comes to the art of mixing patterns...whether it be like patterns...such as stripes with stripes...or going bolder...for example...as different as florals and stripes...here are some steps to help you in navigating...

 - any pattern can be mixed...plaids...polka dots...florals...stripes...houndstooth...although when it comes to animal print...it gets a little hazy when you start adding too much of it...the rule for me myself...is one animal print per outfit...

 - there should be one unifying color palette within the prints...

 - when mixing the same type of print...for example...houndstooth with houndstooth...or floral with floral...they should be drastically different in scales...

 - have a solid piece somewhere in your outfit...a t-shirt...shoes...jeans...this will help anchor the mixed prints...

have fun with it...for ideas...i highly suggest taking a peak at magazines...or if you are on pinterest...you can get some great ideas for mixing of patterns...and feel free to follow my board "style:  mixing patterns" for inspiration...

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Friday, May 24, 2013

happy memorial day...

wishing all my readers a fabulous memorial day weekend...

may it be safe & stylish...


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Thursday, May 23, 2013

a nation of slobs...

cbs news did a segment called "dressing down a culture for refusing to dress up"...in it...professor linda przybyszewski talks about a class she teaches at the university of notre dame called "a nation of slobs"...in discussing how there was a time that people got dressed up for social occasions...but also...just to have dinner...

very interesting take of what some of her students say in the video...they dress up for her class...and it is encouraging to hear some younger students say that when they see someone in pajama bottoms for breakfast...there is a chuckle there...because truly...how long would it take to put on a pair of pants?  especially if you took the time to put on make-up..right?

watch the video below...some fun segments from old movies and tv shows...a definite nostalgic piece...who else remembers beaver of 'leave it to beaver' telling his mom..."boy mom, you sure look expensive"...or did i just date myself?  =)

while i don't think we need to go back to wearing hats and gloves (although, personally i would love that...) there is something about putting a little thought in your dress...

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

aici international conference 2013...

the last post of mine was titled "packing anxiety"...written right before my trip out to arizona for the aici international conference...once i started focusing...i was able to complete the packing...and make my flight...phew!  

arriving in arizona...there were 5 of us from different areas meeting up to drive over to the hotel...here is our rental car...5 women...a few tries...and we finally loaded up the rental...we were pretty proud of ourselves...


the week was full of many great classes...meeting colleagues from all around the world...and sharing ideas with each other...there is always new things to learn...we must keep ourselves fully trained...fully updated with the latest & greatest in presentations...applications...tech devices...etc...and i'm no different...i want to be the best i can be when working with my clients...

and the packing anxiety...what packing anxiety?  i packed what i needed...and being that it was a conference of image consultants from around the world...i needed my options...so here is a fun pic we took in our hotel room...1 conference...3 image consultants...6 days in arizona = 20 pairs of shoes!


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

packing anxiety...

heading out for a week to scorching hot lovely arizona...aici (association of image consultants international) will be having our annual conference...while i have attended the san francisco chapter conference annually...this is my first international conference...and i'm excited...

what i'm not excited about is packing...last i checked weather was about 104...eek!  now if i was going on vacation...packing would be a bit easier...and i wouldn't be having much anxiety...but this is a business trip...and while the outside will be hot...and i'm sure there will be plenty of activities outside...the conference rooms in hotels tend to be cool...even freezing at times...

so yes...even i go through a bit of packing anxiety...so i figured i would do what i do for my clients...put the outfits together...planning each days events...and the key to this wide gap in temperatures?  layer layer layer...

truth be told though...i am a wardrobe consultant...and this conference will be 100's of image consultants...so i'd be lying if i said that i wasn't going to over pack just a wee bit...i want to keep my options open...

what i do know...is that my suitcase will be full of color...full of accessories to help in changing up outfits...and the shoes...well the shoes are always numerous...that is just me...

so...i will most likely not have time to blog while there...so i will update you on all the wonderful things i pick-up from various speakers when i'm back...until then...keep it stylish!

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Monday, May 13, 2013

wearing white...

a great look for the spring/summer season is wearing your whites...now while some will shy away from an all white look...the look is fresh...crisp...and perfect for this time of year...

for an all over white look...layering is the way to go...for an easy way to pull it off...take a high neck, boxy sheer white top...over a scoop white tank top...nicely fitted...pair with your favorite white jeans or capri's...and you've got a great warm day outfit...

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want to go a bit dressier?  create a column of white with a flowy white pant with a crocheted linen top...or add a little lace...

of course...the lwd (little white dress) is always a plus...no frill...no fuss...but oh so put together...this short one is adorable...if you don't want short...go for a cute maxi...even a white maxi skirt paired with a white tank top will have the same appeal...

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not comfortable in an all over white outfit?  try out some new accessories...how about a new pair of sunglasses in a standout white frame?

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a crisp white jacket is a nice addition as well...i recently dragged out of my closet...a beautiful almost braided like leather jacket in a pearl white...a perfect addition for my spring/summer outfits...you also can add a white jean jacket...cardigan...these will all be nice additions for your sun dresses and spring/summer colors...

give your brown and black belts a rest this season...opt for a nice white belt...it's perfect worn over your tunic top or sundresses...

skinny rope belt
j crew

what will you be sporting in white this season?

Saturday, May 11, 2013

happy mother's day...

wishing all the mom's out there an absolutely fabulous mother's day weekend...

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Friday, May 10, 2013

dear fashion advisor: dress over pants...

i love getting questions from my readers...so keep sending them in...while this one made me think of my younger days...when my mom used to dress me with a dress over pants...although i don't think she was going for a stylish look...more so for a warmth & coverage look... =)

Q:  what is the "right" way to wear a dress over pants?

A:  i actually love this look...and have posted some wonderful pics of women doing it right...here are some tips...

 - proportion...for the length of the dress (or skirt) the most flattering would hit you about mid thigh...you can go longer depending on your height...but for most women - the longer hemlines will overwhelm your frame...this would work as in the first picture...because the bottom half of the dress is black as are the pants...so the line is long and lean...

 - the dress...should be fitted...and the more simple the dress - the better this look plays off...you don't want to have bulkiness all around the dress...not flattering on most...

 - the pants...pants should be fitted...think skinny jeans/cigarette pants...but boot cut or flared bottoms will work as well...but the thigh down to about below the knee should be pretty fitted...to pull off this look...

hope this helps!  i have tried to show a variety of pics from going dressy to a casual bohemian look...



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Thursday, May 9, 2013

add another bangle to your stack...

there is something about arm candy that appeals to me...sure you can wear a bangle "solo"...but how much more dramatic a statement can you make by adding another bangle to your stack...the great thing...is you can really have your personality shine through...you may be classic...or elegant...perhaps a bit eclectic...are you all about color?  do you prefer to mix your metals?

have fun with your arm candy...here are some great examples of some fabulous combinations...as you can see...whether you go for several...or just a few...mixing & matching can be a fun exercise... 

which combination speaks to you?

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

scatter my ashes at bergdorf's...

a must see movie for me... =)  here is a little more info of "scatter my ashes at bergdorfs" if you are interested as well...and of course...watch the clip below...anyone else as excited as me?

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

color inspiration: pastels & macarons...

i think that it is pretty cool when you have a season of trends where you have a a lot of opposites...what do i mean by that?  take for example this season...bright colors are big big big...even neon...and yet...so are pastels...seasons like this make it pretty easy for just about anyone to find favorite pieces in the colors they desire...and...the colors they are comfortable in...

i am not afraid of color...in fact...when i wear color...it truly lifts my spirit...and the brighter the better...for some reason this season though...i have been very drawn to the pretty pastels that are in the stores...you see them in jeans...in pretty tops...dresses...shoes...

and then there is my love for macarons...to see them all lined up in the bakery...a great way to pick out your most favorite pastel...color inspiration comes in all forms...what has been the latest object or picture that has given you some color inspiration for an outfit?


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Monday, May 6, 2013

choosing necklaces for necklines...

i came across this lovely tutorial on pinterest...great little tidbit to have for yourself...if you ever get stuck on a certain neckline...and aren't sure what type of necklace to wear...this should get you going...

of course this isn't the "bible" on necklaces for necklines...feel free to experiment...but if you are in a bind...just click on the pic below to enlarge...

happy accessorizing!

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Friday, May 3, 2013

what not to wear when working from home...part 3

truth be told...working from home does have its advantages...so if you are one of those peeps...whether you work from home full time...or have the ability to conduct business off site for a few days a week...enjoy it...enjoy the non commute...enjoy the quiet...enjoy lots of things...but don't get into a mode of being sloppily dressed...

as i dove into this subject of what not to wear when working from home part 1 & part 2...click on the links if you would like a refresher...the last part of this is scenario time...perhaps you are thinking...i'm okay...no one will see me...plus i don't look that bad...

may i say first & foremost...look your best for yourself...not others...YOU deserve it!  but put your self in these situations...and what would your thought be?

scenario 1:  you are expecting something in the mail...and your mailbox is 20 feet from your door...you are in your home work attire...would you be mortified if a neighbor greeted you at your mailbox?

scenario 2:  a friend knows you're working from home today and calls you near noon with a last minute lunch invitation.  would you be able to say yes...jump in the car as soon as you hung up the phone...and head to the restaurant?

scenario 3:  your boss sends an email blast and wants to set up a video conference in 30 minutes...are you scrambling to pull a look together or are you focused on the work agenda so you can be sharp and ready?

the great thing about working from home is that you do have the freedom to create your own dress code...what works for you?  and what is comfortable for you?  maybe you say yes to jeans but pair them with a silky jersey t-shirt...a navy easy-fit cotton blazer...and flats...maybe you say no to jeans and prefer a simple dress...sandals...and a long necklace...

your work attire deserves thoughtfulness and respect...need help developing yours? start looking at pics of casual attire...if you are local...give me a call...i'd love to support you!  


Thursday, May 2, 2013

what not to wear when working from home...part 2

so yesterday i started a blog post about what not to wear while working from home...part 1...i have to say...i love all the comments i received on the blog...in email...facebook & twitter...seems that the majority of my readers that work from home...do think about "dressing" up for their work day...and by dressing up...i mean...still being casually dressed...while not in your pj's or workout gear...

while the pic i chose for today is clearly someone out in public...in their pajamas...i am continuing part 2...of what not to wear when working from home...pajamas in public can stir up many more blog posts...maybe i'll save that for a later date...because as funny as this pic might look...it is a reality...unfortunately...and one i've seen many many times...

so did you used to have a morning routine...when you actually went into an office?  keep a part of it or all of it...these things may seem minor...but...take the time to shower or wash your face...put on some makeup...even if it's minimal...all these little routines will make you feel like you're showing up to your work projects looking sharp...get dressed for the day before you get sucked into reading and responding to emails...

while my office is upstairs...right next door to my bedroom...it would be very easy for me to just plop in my office chair and get going...and before you know it...hours have passed...and i look like i did when i crawled out of bed...instead...think of it this way...even thought the distance to your office may be seven steps to the spare bedroom down the hall...don't skimp on your morning "me" time...have your cup of tea or coffee...read the paper or something inspiring...review your goals or affirmations...have something to eat...prepare to go to work...

when it comes to getting dressed...don't pull clothes from your workout pile or grab something that's been tossed into the back of your closet...don't choose what is hanging on the side of your bed...that was thrown there from a prior day...or worse yet...continue wearing what you slept in...be intentional...if you want to make a bridge from your home life to your work life...use the language of clothes to make the point that you're going to work...

instead of throwing on an old tee-shirt...wear a non-iron blouse instead...

instead of that cardigan with the missing buttons...wear one of your nicer ones...

instead of those sloppy pajama bottoms...wear your favorite jeans...

instead of those ratty slippers...wear your comfy flats...

not sure how you are doing?  stay tuned for part 3 tomorrow...i will give you a few scenarios to think of...that will help you decide if your "work from home" attire needs some sprucing...

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

what not to wear when working from home...part 1

let's face it...for those of us working from home...there are perks...no rushing to get out the door...no traffic...and for some...no need to get dressed...meaning...let me stay in my pajama's all day...truth be told...i have done that...but two things happened...

one...i didn't feel like i was truly working...i didn't feel as productive...now some may say that has nothing to do with what i'm wearing...and everything to do with my mind-set...while i believe that...i have found that i am more productive...and work harder when i am "dressed"...being in my pajama bottoms and a tee-shirt...although VERY comfortable...i noticed a little bit of a relaxed mode...almost...lazy...i mean...i'm usually thinking about lounging when i'm in my pj's...

two...although this didn't happen every day...and it took only one time for me to say never again...the doorbell rings...and i am frantically trying to make myself look at least semi professional...or at least like a took a shower...not a good thing...especially in my profession...

while more and more people are working from home..it would seem easy to stay in your pajamas or workout clothes all day...but is that really the best uniform for you?

while the home office could and should have a more casual dress code...eliminating a dress code all together could be a mistake...paying attention to your grooming and your attire even if no one will see you could give you a structure to your workday that benefits you and increases your productivity...

so tomorrow...i will go into what not to wear...but more importantly...what TO wear...

so based on the pic below...what are you most likely to wear when working from home?  according to the citrix survey...these were the results...where do you fit in?
49% wore jeans and a t-shirt
25% wore pajamas
14% wore workout clothes
12% wore "other

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